The holiday season has officially begun! Along with all the festive parties will come the media blasts about the holiday weight gain that thousands experience each year.

The key to avoiding becoming one of those statistics is simple. Ignore it! Don’t think about gaining weight this holiday season. Rather, focus on celebrating and being with family and friends.

Here are five tips that you can use to change how you think of this time of year. The result will make it easier for you to make the right choice, even when a lot of people around you aren’t.

1. Forget the workout routine. Simply challenge yourself.
During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you may not have time for your normal workout routine, so don’t do it! Your body naturally responds to a challenge. If all you have is 10 minutes, use that time to fully exert yourself.

2. Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t.
Make a resolution and focus on what is possible versus what isn’t. Find solutions instead of constantly dwelling on the problems and/or obstacles.

3. Pick your favorite exercises.
Jot down your favorite five or six exercises and when you need a blast of energy, do all of them for 30 seconds each. Body-weight exercises are easiest to incorporate, but you can use anything as long as they are your favorite.

4. Find fun ways to get the entire family moving.
Family gatherings usually involve a lot of eating and equal amounts of sitting. Be innovative and get the family up and moving. Try a family game or exercise.

5. If traveling, discover areas by foot or bike.
Forget the heels and pop on your favorite trainers to see the sites. Explore and find healthier ways to get around town.

For more ways to reach your fitness goals or to make healthier choices, contact one of our fitness specialists. Click here for more information.